Swedish horse racing wagering operator, AB Trav och Galopp (ATG), has actually called Jörgen Forsberg as its new interim Chief Executive Officer.

The management shuffles at the top of ATG were triggered by the resignation of former CEO Hasse Lord Skarplöth, who held the role for 13 years.

His notification was handed in at the same time as ATG revealed a stagnating FY25 monetary profile, with lower YoY performance throughout the board. Both Skarplöth and ATG's Board said at the time that they were parting methods due to conflicting views about the operator's future.

Skarplöth's place was right away used up by Peter Norman, ATG Chairman, who has been acting as the interim CEO previously, with Forsberg changing him so that he can totally return to his chairing tasks.

Norman commented: "I invite Jörgen Forsberg to ATG. He will lead the work of executing the strategies decided by the board and be acting CEO till a brand-new CEO is hired. The recruitment process for an irreversible solution is continuous."

Forsberg is currently likewise the CEO of Svensk Travsport, the nationwide governing body of trotting racing. He will perform both roles concurrently and Ulf Hörnberg, Vice President of Svensk Travsport, will supply support for a few of the functional jobs within the organisation, while the procedure of picking a CEO of ATG takes location.

As for his background, Forsberg has actually formerly been Chairman of the Board and CEO of Stockholms Travsällskap, the operator of the harness-racing track in Stockholm. He also boasts local and worldwide senior management experience in the vehicle market.

On his own appointment, Forsberg stated: "While awaiting a new CEO, I eagerly anticipate continuing to develop ATG together with all of ATG's workers according to the board's plans and protecting the business's important role for the Swedish horse industry."

Time for change

Previously state-owned, the federal government loosened its control over ATG in 2015 in a quote to make it more competitive in light of an increasing obstacle from global operators since Sweden's market was re-regulated in 2019.

Given that the operator reported noteworthy YoY earnings decreases in 2025, this year will certainly show transformative for ATG, specifically when a brand-new CEO gets designated.

The operator has actually also been broadening its existence beyond Sweden. Just just recently, its joint venture with Hippos Oy used for a sports betting licence in Finland. Expected to launch in 2027, Finland's new regulated market could show a core element to ATG's return-to-growth ambitions.